Ho-Ho-Kus
FEATURES
12 Moving On Up
Timeless elegance and modern convenience meet at 619 North, a new luxury development in town.
16 A Homecoming
Dr. Linda Bovino-Romeo is stepping into a new role as superintendent at Ho-Ho-Kus Public School this year. The move is both a beginning and a return for the former student turned educator.
20
Stylist to the Moms
Fashion and function are key at Bridget Curates, the personal styling business created for women and mothers, by a mother. IN EVERY ISSUE 4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE The Joy of May 6 AROUND TOWN Something for Everyone
Q&A Recognizing Ramadan
DINING GUIDE
eats 30 BOOK NOOK Highlighting Historical Fiction 32 PHOTO OP Borough in Bloom
Bridget Carroll with clothing she styled. Photograph by Adam Paray 6
mTHE JOY OF MAY
MAY IS THE MONTH when the brilliant colors of spring truly come alive and as we enter the peak of the season, the beauty of embracing change is as apparent as ever.
This month, we celebrate lots of change in Ho-Ho-Kus and the rewards that come with taking a chance on a new venture.
That’s exactly what Bridget Carroll did. She had always loved fashion and the art of putting an outfit together, but after she welcomed her two young sons, she felt lost when it came to her personal sense of style. Once she came out of the haze of early motherhood, she made it a priority
to once again dress with intention and decided she’d like to help other moms do the same.
Via her business, Bridget Curates, she helps women carve out time for themselves by working with her to edit their closets and offers tips on how to use items clients might already have to create outfits that inspire confidence. With May being the month of Mother’s Day, we can’t think of a better time to feature Carroll and celebrate moms helping other moms.
And a new beginning is coming to Ho-Ho-Kus Public School as Linda Bovino-Romeo was appointed to replace longtime superintendent Diane Mardy, who will retire in June. For Bovino-Romeo, coming to Ho-Ho-Kus is a homecoming; she’s a graduate of the school. She said it’s a dream come true to bring her passion for education to her hometown.
And even the landscape is changing in the borough, as 619 North, a luxury apartment building downtown on Maple Avenue, is completed. The developer says the building offers timeless elegance and modern convenience for residents (many of whom are downsizers that wanted to stay in town). Business owners and borough officials alike are pleased with the addition.
Thanks for reading this month’s issue. As always, please reach out to me with your stories and photos.
Sarah Nolan Editor
Ho-Ho-Kus MAGAZINE
Editor
Sarah Nolan
Writers
Sarah Nolan
Wendy Lees
Photographers
Joe Nolan
Adam Paray
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O’Connell
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Ho-Ho-Kus Magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Ho-Ho-Kus, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOE NOLAN
Something for Everyone
May is chock full of events in Ho-Ho-Kus. Check out what the borough has to offer you and your family this spring.
PLANT SALE TO BENEFIT SCHOLARSHIP
The Ho-Ho-Kus Garden Club will host its annual Scholarship Plant Sale on Sunday, May 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the green near the gazebo. Every year the Garden Club awards academic scholarships of up to $1,000 using funds from the plant sale. The sale features perennials, annuals, hanging basket plants and gently used gardening items that may be of interest.
Those interested in applying for the scholarship must be a current resident of or student in Bergen County and studying environmental science, ecology, horticulture, forestry or a related field as a rising college sophomore, junior or senior. Past recipients may apply and receive an award a maximum of two times. Employees working in the fields mentioned above and pursuing further education may also apply. Please contact Scholarship Chair Kristine Nylund for an application or more information: kristine.nylund@gmail.com or call 201-341-9242.
Visit hohokusgardenclub.com for more information.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND CEREMONY
Ho-Ho-Kus will host its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 26. The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m., kicking off at Ardmore Road and Sheridan Avenue and concluding at the War Memorial on East Franklin Turnpike for the traditional Remembrance Day ceremony.
Rebecca Bleich is a senior at Ramapo College, where she majored in journalism and writing. She writes articles on news, arts, sports and viewpoints for her college newspaper and beyond.
ENTERTAINMENT ON THE PATIO
Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern offers residents a chance for a fun night out on the patio while dining alfresco. Join them on Wednesdays starting May 28 at 7:00 p.m. for smooth jazz, soft rock and a little country music. Featured artists this season include Nicole & Marco, Rob Spampinato and Brandy and John Moroski and Amanda Leigh. Visit hohokusinn.com for more information.
VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE SHOW
The Hermitage will host its annual Vintage and Antique show on Sunday, May 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will feature more than 60 exhibitors selling a wide variety of antiques, vintage items, collectibles and so much more. A certified appraiser will be available to value your antiques and treasures from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a fee of $10. The event will also feature a food truck, music and entertainment for kids. Admission is $5 at the gate. For more information, visit thehermitage.org.
ANNUAL PLANT SALE
The Hermitage will host its annual Plant Sale from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31. Perennials, annuals and house plants will all be for sale to benefit the Hermitage.
BRITISH CAR SHOW
BOTANICAL WATERCOLOR TECHNIQUE AND DEMONSTRATION
The Ho-Ho-Kus Garden Club will host Rebecca Davies, a botanical artist based in Ho-Ho-Kus, on Monday, May 19. She will be discussing the values and uses of botanical art and botanical illustration and share information about some of the artists that inspire her. Come for a special talk about botanical art and learn how Davies creates her pieces. The free event will be held at The Community Church, 400 Warren Ave., from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Visit hohokusgardenclub.com for more information.
The New Jersey Triumph Association’s 2025 Touch of England Vintage British Automobile and Motorcycle Show will be held at the Hermitage on Saturday, June 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, June 8).
This event is a great day-trip destination for families to view classic British automobiles and motorcycles and talk to the owners. Walk the shaded grounds of the Hermitage and tour inside the national historic landmark. Purchase fish and chips from our English food truck or bring your own picnic! A fun day for the whole family! Tickets are $10 for adults, children aged 6 to 12 are $5 and children under age 6 are free. Visit njtriumphs.org for more information.
NEIGHBORHOOD BOOK CLUB
The Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library hosts an exclusive book club for all Allendale and Ho-Ho-Kus adult residents. Meetings will be held at HoHo-Kus Inn & Tavern. Attend whichever dates you can.
The library kindly asks that you register for each meeting at bit.ly/Joinbookclub. A meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m.
For more information, visit hohokuslibrary.org.
Moving On Up
619 North, a new 67-unit luxury apartment building in downtown Ho-Ho-Kus, blends timeless elegance and modern convenience for residents.
BY SARAH NOLAN
WWHEN THREE FAMILIES
partnered to construct an apartment building on a two-block plot of land that they own in the heart of charming downtown Ho-Ho-Kus, they knew it had to be something special.
After all, Ho-Ho-Kus is not accustomed to multi-story buildings and has not had a development like the one envisioned, well, ever, says Jake Feldman, principal of his family’s three-generation company Vertical Realty Capital. They teamed up with longtime owners of the property (and good friends), the Levine and Mechanic
families to complete the project.
“Ho-Ho-Kus is an affluent, nice, highend community and people take pride in the town itself and how things are,” Feldman says. “We couldn’t just put up a run-of-the-mill, merchant-built, cheap product. Based on the clientele and the demand, we were ready to go all out, and folks are very happy. And the demand has been very, very strong.”
TIMELESS ELEGANCE AND MODERN CONVENIENCE
Step inside the completed 619 North, and you’re met with a blend of what the developers call “timeless elegance and modern convenience,” from the classic black and white-checked ceramic floors in the entryway and custom woodworking throughout, to a screen in the stunning lobby that displays the nearby train station schedule for commuters, or the ETA of a resident’s UBER ride.
Amenities on the ground floor include a state-of-the-art fitness center
and an all-sport simulator, where residents can practice their golf swing, or invite friends or kids/grandkids to throw a football or kick the soccer ball on a rainy day, Feldman says.
A covered parking garage is fit with EV charging stations, and residents also have access to secure bike storage and storage units, along with a pet spa to wash up their pup’s paws before entering the building.
If anything, Feldman says the building is over-amenitized for the number of units.
“We really want people to feel comfortable and create a sense of community,” he says. “People really consider this their home—it’s not a stop. We have a lot of residents that have lived in town for decades and are downsizing now that they’re empty-nesters, and they plan to be here indefinitely.”
On the top level is a stunning common area that includes a TV, library and kitchen with a coffee
center. There’s also a co-working room that has a Zoom TV and Zoom rooms, so those that want to work outside of their units have a comfortable and functional space to do so.
Outside on the roof deck, you’re met with grills, fire tables and seating under umbrellas, where residents can take in a view of the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook.
“We really wanted to create a sense of community,” Feldman says.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
619 North sits on the site where Granny’s Attic, a gym and other offices used to be. The redevelopment of the nearly 2-acre parcel was approved by the town as part of its 2016 settlement with the Fair Share Housing Center, which mandates that a portion of units are affordable.
Of the 67 one- and two-bedroom rental units, 15%, or 10, are slated as affordable housing. Rents for market value units range from mid-$4,000 for a two-bedroom up to about $6,000 for top floor units that include large personal outdoor patios.
Feldman described the building as 3.5 stories because the top floor is less than half the area of the floors below, with only eight units that are set back and not visible from the street. The building also includes 3,500 feet of commercial space on its ground floor, likely offices, which have yet to be determined.
Feldman says many residents who have moved in so far are downsizers.
Apartments are either one- or two-bedrooms, and some feature a den. Layouts are spacious, with lots
of natural light from large windows. The units have custom closets, inhome laundry and heated floors in the master bathrooms.
The kitchens feature white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a mosaic tile backsplash and custom cabinetry.
“We wanted people to be able to downsize appropriately,” Feldman says. “This is a big transition for a lot of people. We paid a lot of attention to detail with the designs and finishes— we wanted it to be unique.”
A BOON FOR BUSINESSES
Mayor Tom Randall says the building is a “tremendous asset” to Ho-HoKus and will create synergy with the downtown, without overburdening parking or creating a tax burden, since
Clockwise from top left: 619 North is an L-shaped building located at 619 North Maple Avenue. The building features a co-working room that has a Zoom TV and Zoom rooms. Artwork lines the hallways of the luxury apartment building. Even the mailroom is inviting.
Graze Brunch Kitchen, agrees. His restaurant is just a stone’s throw from 619 North in a strip that also includes St. Eve’s, Uncorked Wine & Spirits, Frank’s Tailoring and The Hair Designers.
“I’m loving it,” he says. “I haven’t noticed any additional traffic, and it will definitely give a boost to all the local businesses. I’ve met many of the new tenants already—they’re wonderful people.”
Lori Iannone, owner of Alt Eats Café, says she’s ecstatic about the new building and residents.
“It’s a beautiful building,” she says. “The apartments are gorgeous, and the amenities are top notch. What a great place to live. You can walk to anything you could possibly need, from doctors and dentists to the hair salon and great restaurants and beyond.”
As of this writing, availability at 619 North is very limited, with only a few apartments unclaimed, according to Fox & Stokes, the prime leasing team for the building.
For more information, visit 619north. com or the property’s Instagram page, @619north.
Pictured from top left: The bedroom. The master bathroom. The living room. The view of the kitchen from the living room in one of the units.
A Homecoming
Dr. Linda Bovino-Romeo will take over as superintendent at Ho-Ho-Kus School, her alma mater, this summer.
BY SARAH NOLAN
WWHEN DR. LINDA Bovino-Romeo takes over as superintendent of Ho-Ho-Kus Public School this July, it will not only be the start of a new chapter for the longtime educator, but a homecoming.
Bovino-Romeo grew up in the borough and graduated from the very school she’s set to lead.
“It’s really a dream come true,” she says. “I get to work in a town that I grew up in, I get to work with an age group that I love and I get to work with teachers and staff members that are so dedicated. Amazing things are happening at Ho-Ho-Kus School, and I’m very fortunate and lucky to be coming home.”
Bovino-Romeo, currently the director of curriculum and instruction in the Mahwah Public School District, was appointed by the Ho-Ho-Kus Board of Education in February. She will take over for Dr. Diane Mardy, who will retire on June 30 after more than
40 years with the district, the last 10 as superintendent.
Board President Mary Ellen Nye says district leaders are excited to welcome Bovino-Romeo home to Ho-Ho-Kus to begin the next chapter of the school’s history together.
“Our goals in searching for our next superintendent were to ensure the continuation of the academic excellence and the thriving characterbased community that have been the hallmarks of Dr. Mardy’s career in Ho-Ho-Kus and to set the district on an exciting path into the future,” Nye says. “We are confident that Dr. Bovino shares our goals and has the qualifications and the dedication to succeed in achieving them.”
SLOPES TO SCHOOLS
Bovino-Romeo says her love for teaching began on the slopes of Ski Windham (now Windham Mountain Club). She was 16 years old and a
ski instructor for young kids. She found she truly enjoyed figuring out what would help each individual student succeed.
“I started to notice that I enjoyed teaching and seeing the outcome: seeing kids smile, be happy and laugh while acquiring this amazing skill of skiing,” Bovino-Romeo says. “That was the first moment I thought ‘I can actually do this amazing thing where I can teach someone something they don’t know, and they can walk away stronger and happier.’”
Bovino-Romeo had not even graduated from Northern Highlands Regional High School when it became apparent to her that not everyone learns in the same way, and it’s not OK to expect them to, she says. The realization sparked a passion for advocacy in Bovino-Romeo that remains a pillar of her education philosophy today.
“I had family members and friends
Dr. Linda Bovino-Romeo
that struggled in school, and I started to realize that we just need to approach teaching and learning differently,” she says. “It felt good advocating for students that learned differently—they have such wonderful abilities, but the way we approach teaching and what we expect has to be adjusted so they’re able to show us all they know.”
The joy she felt as a ski instructor combined with her passion for differentiation in education led her to choose to study education at Fordham University, where she acquired her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in education and Ph.D. in language, literacy and learning. She also holds a Master of Arts in administrative leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Bovino-Romeo spent the first eight years of her career as a special education teacher for kindergarten
through fifth graders in New Milford. It was there that she started participating in a program called Teacher in Charge, where she was exposed to scheduling, parent conversations and administrative meetings.
“That was my first glimpse into, ‘Hey, maybe I could help more than the students I have in front of me. I could help teach other teachers,’” BovinoRomeo says. “That was ultimately the catalyst for me to begin applying for administrative positions.”
She was hired as assistant principal at Joyce Kilmer School in Mahwah, where she stayed for five years before moving on to become principal for another five years at Betsy Ross Elementary School in the township. Her most recent post in Mahwah is as director of curriculum and instruction.
“Working with teachers and getting to talk to them about instruction and
then going into the classroom to work alongside them is the most exciting part of my job; that’s really where I come alive,” Bovino-Romeo says.
The administrator added that her work with teachers allows her to focus on the tenet she truly believes in: finding out how to educate and support each individual student based on their needs.
“Differentiation is a buzzword in education, but it really actually means something to me,” she says. “It’s not just that we say it differently, the whole approach has to be catered to who students are and what they need. I love sitting in this seat, utilizing all the data and information we have on students to make really good decisions for kids.”
A COLLABORATIVE LISTENER
Bovino-Romeo says it’s the small,
Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Linda Bovino-Romeo’s eighth-grade graduation picture. She is pictured in the middle row, sixth from left. Bovino-Romeo with Dr. Diane Mardy and members of the Board of Education. BovinoRomeo with her Ho-Ho-Kus soccer team. She is pictured in the bottom row, third from right. Below is Bovino-Romeo’s school photos from her eighth-grade yearbook.
closeknit community that made her feel Ho-Ho-Kus would be a good fit for her. She loves face-to-face time with students and teachers, and in a K-8 school district that’s housed in one building, she’ll be able continue to have that as superintendent.
“I tell new administrators, if you’re having a bad day, go to any kindergarten classroom, sit on the rug and read stories with the kids. You will be a happy person when you leave even if everything around you is going wrong. It will remind you why you’re there,” she says.
Bovino-Romeo says she’s looking forward to going into her new position as a collaborative listener.
“I have history in Ho-Ho-Kus, and I know what it was when I was there, but I don’t know Ho-Ho-Kus right now,” she says. “Before anyone comes in and makes decisions on anything,
it’s important to understand who the teachers, staff, parents and students are. I’m going to be doing a lot of listening. Shared ownership is really important in furthering a district.”
Bovino-Romeo added that Mardy’s legacy is excellence.
“She’s leaving that behind and I just want to make sure I live up to that and we keep pushing that forward so Ho-Ho-Kus in five, 10, 15 years is where we always wanted it to be.”
Principal Marth Walsh says she looks forward to achieving new milestones alongside the new superintendent and continuing to foster a supportive environment for both students and staff.
“Dr. Bovino-Romeo’s leadership, vision and commitment to educational excellence will undoubtedly strengthen our school community,” Walsh says.
A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
Bovino-Romeo now lives in Wyckoff with her husband, Steven, and sons Parker, 11, Jameson, 8, and Anderson, 5. Still, she considers Ho-Ho-Kus home.
“This isn’t just any K-8, this is my home, this is where I’m from,” she says. “It’s a town that gave me and my family so much and to be able to come back and give to the current students, families and teachers—I’m just so grateful.”
Bovino-Romeo says growing up in quaint Ho-Ho-Kus, there was a sense of security and protection she felt walking around a school where everyone knew her. She didn’t have Dr. Mardy as a teacher (Mardy was a fourth-grade teacher at the time Bovino-Romeo went to the school), but Mardy still knew everything about her.
“It’s just this closeknit community that made you feel safe and like you could be who you are, no matter where you went,” she says.
Favorite memories from growing up in town and attending Ho-Ho-Kus School include the Country Fair (still a time-honored tradition), where she participated in the pie walk (think musical chairs, but with pie plates; whoever landed on the last plate got to take home a pie) and won her first goldfish.
She fondly remembers the open campus the school had at the time, and walking downtown for lunch, grabbing a slice at Garbo’s and enjoying it with friends in the gazebo.
The yearly musical and longtime music teacher Mrs. Murray hold a special place in Bovino-Romeo’s heart, and who could forget kindergarten teacher Mrs. DiLauro? Others that made an impression on her include former superintendent Dr. Woodbury and his wife, social studies teacher Mrs. Woodbury who Bovino-Romeo says taught her how to write an essay using notecards.
“It’s a beautiful community and town that wraps their arms around the people, and that’s what makes it so special,” she says.
to get dressed,” she says. “She was always well-dressed, and I grew up with her always looking great, having her hair done and looking presentable regardless of what we were doing.”
The mother and daughter would take special outings to pick out clothes, and Carroll recalls enjoying standing out from the crowd a little with her picks.
She would sketch outfits in a notebook and had early ambitions of going to the Fashion Institute of Technology to become a designer but found communications a more suitable path for her talents.
While in college, she worked in retail at a small clothing boutique in Edgewater, helping customers shop.
“That was the first time I thought, ‘I think I have a knack for this,’” Carroll says. “Most of the women shopping there were much older than me, established in their life and careers and were asking me for advice. It was a really great experience for me.”
At the boutique, Carroll began to delve deeper into her love for styling and retail, learning more about clothing materials, how things are made and how a store is merchandised and set up.
After graduation, she was primed for a job in communications at Tapestry,
the parent company for brands Coach, Kate Spade New York and Stuart Weitzman where she earned her chops in the industry.
“I learned much more about the science behind fashion and retail—and it was fascinating,” she says. “Because I was writing about the brands and products, talking to leadership and trying to tell their stories externally, I got to know the business inside and out.”
Carroll felt she had everything she ever strived for when she was in her 20s—the dream job, a good salary. But she was conflicted. It was extremely demanding and as she prepared to start a family with her husband, John, she couldn’t see how feasible it would be.
“Working around the clock and commuting was draining. I started to think it actually wasn’t what I wanted, and I was more willing to walk away from it,” she says. “I always wanted to be a mom, and I didn’t know how I would be able to do all the things I knew I’d have to while working there.”
She left in 2019 for a less demanding position at a textile company while pregnant with her first son, Jack, but ultimately decided to focus full-time on her kids after welcoming her second son, Colin, in 2022.
Opposite page: Bridget Carroll looks over some spring wardrobe items from her closet. This page: Carroll works at her computer. A large part of her new business, Bridget Curates, is building her social media and brand, along with coming up with lookbooks for clients.
might get ruined or dirty,” she says. “It’s hard to find motivation when you’re with a baby all day, or at the playground or library with toddlers or making meals and being grabbed at by peanut butter fingers.”
Of course, there’s also the fact that for most women, their body has changed, along with their lifestyle—it may be hard to pinpoint what it is they even like anymore, Carroll says.
One tip she offered to combat these issues is to preplan outfits—whether you’re a working mom, going into the city five days a week, or home with your kids all day.
“It eliminates stress when you’re busy in the morning and don’t have the time,” she says. “Take those 10 to 15 minutes on Sunday night so you feel good. When you look good, you feel good. It doesn’t need to be a full face of makeup, but planning out an outfit will help give you some confidence.”
Carroll kicks off services by having a short phone call or meeting with clients to figure out what they need,
then digs in.
One of her most popular services is a wardrobe edit: A client may have lots of beautiful and useful clothing items but doesn’t know how to put them together. Carroll will come over and go through a client’s closet and create and photograph outfits—whether they be for mom life, work life, a vacation or nights out.
She identifies gaps in a client’s wardrobe and, with their permission and after discussing budget, will shop for items needed, such as a trench coat, a belt or a pair of shoes. She’ll then send them a lookbook of the items.
Bridget Curates also offers a full closet edit, where she’ll go through all of a client’s clothing to comb through what’s no longer useful. She’s hoping to soon offer services to help clients figure out what their personal style is.
“All of this requires a partnership between me and my clients,” Carroll says. “I can do so much of it on my own, but for it to be successful I need you to participate in that and be open
with me.”
Client Vanessa Falkenstern was amazed with her wardrobe edit and the looks Carroll created, all from pieces she already owns.
“Bridget helped put together outfits I never would have thought of on my own, all while keeping in line with my own sense of style,” Falkenstern says. “It feels like my closet has a whole new life without having to buy a single new item. I am now more excited to get dressed every day and I feel more confident about my own personal style than ever before.”
Jeanette Donnarumma called her experience with Bridget a breath of fresh air.
“I feel so lucky to have had her over to help me feel good in my own clothes,” she says.
For more information about Bridget Curates, visit bridgetcurates.com. For Carroll’s styling tips and inspiring outfits of the day, visit her Instagram page, @bridgetcurates.
Carroll helps clients create outfits from items they may already own and identifies gaps in their wardrobe, creating lookbooks like those pictured to help them shop.
WINE&FOOD 2025BERGEN EXPERIENCE
SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
6-9 PM
Edgewood Country Club, River Vale, NJ
Untitled-2 1
WaldwickLandscape_1-4P_RID_0325_gdrev.indd 1
Meltemi Greek Restaurant
Authentic Aegean Cuisine
Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-632-0022 | meltemirestaurant.com
Mon–Thurs 11:30 AM – 10 PM | Fri–Sat 11:30 AM PM | Sun 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Greece
Lina Themelini brings the flavors of KalymGreek Aegean Cuisine, specializing in fresh seafood & traditional dishes.
Menu Highlights: & Platters | Salads | Seafood | Lamb Chops, Bifteki, Pastitsio, Mousaka
Weekly Greek Specials – Featuring dishes like Lamb Shank & Scorpion Fish
Reservations Suggested
Taking Mother’s Day, May 11
ookYourEvent–meltemireservations@gmail.
Order Online via DoorDash, Toast & Uber Eats
Cuisine –
Chef Lina brings flavors from the Greek island of Kalymnos, specializing in fresh seafood & traditional dishes.
Classic Staples –
Pitas & Platters | Salads | Seafood | Lamb Chops
Bifteki | Pastitsio | Mousaka
Weekly Greek Specials –
Featuring dishes such as Lamb Shank & Scorpion Fish
Reservations Suggested – Book Now for... Mother’s Day, May 11th
HOURS
Mon-Thurs 11:30 - 10 Fri-Sat 11:30 - 11 | Sun 11:30 - 9
Order Online Via:
Recognizing Ramadan
Eamon Virk and her family were proud to share their Muslim heritage with neighbors, spearheading the borough’s first Ramadan lighting ceremony in March.
INTERVIEW WITH EAMON VIRK
Can you tell me about Ramadan? Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period of fasting, reflection and spiritual growth for Muslims worldwide. Key aspects of Ramadan include:
• Fasting (Sawm): Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink to develop self-control, empathy for those in need and a stronger connection with God.
• Prayer and Devotion: Muslims perform additional prayers, such as Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Layl and engage in increased devotion, reciting the Quran and seeking forgiveness.
• Charity and Generosity: Ramadan
is a time for increased charity and generosity, with Muslims encouraged to give to those in need and support worthy causes.
• Family and Community: Ramadan fosters a sense of community and family, with Muslims gathering for iftar (break-fast) meals, prayers and other activities.
Some of the benefits of Ramadan are:
• Spiritual Growth: Ramadan provides an opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their faith, develop self-discipline and cultivate a deeper connection with God.
• Physical and Mental Health:
Fasting during Ramadan can have physical and mental health benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity, weight loss and reduced stress.
• Social and Emotional Benefits: Ramadan promotes social cohesion, empathy and compassion, as Muslims come together to support one another and those in need.
Ramadan is a special time for Muslims to focus on their faith, personal growth and community. And when it concludes (March 31 this year), we celebrate Eid ul Fitr, which is basically very similar to Christmas. We give gifts, go to family members’ homes and eat a lot of food!
Can you tell me more about fasting? What are the challenges? What are the benefits and how do you break your fast?
A second grader in my son’s class asked: If you’re hungry, how do you stay focused? And that’s a great question. It can be difficult not to eat from sunrise to sunset, especially as the days get longer as the month goes on. But for me, I find fasting puts me in a calm state and my mind is clearer. There’s a saying, “You are what you eat.” When you have nothing in you, the only thing you have left is this spiritual enlightening, a feeling of closeness to God, a humbleness and the desire to push yourself to be a better person.
There are some people exempt from fasting, including those that are pregnant, nursing or on their period. And children, because they’re still growing and need nutrition, sometimes they do half fasts.
As for how we break the fast, we try to follow the teachings of our prophet, Mohammed. And back then, dates were a significant food source because of how nutritionally complete they are. We try to open and close the day with dates. But during the day we think about food a lot and meticulously think about what we are going to eat—for instance one night my son requested Shake Shack and that’s something we could all look forward to.
You spearheaded the first Ramadan lighting ceremony here in Ho-Ho-Kus. Can you tell me how this came about?
A lot of surrounding towns have been holding lighting ceremonies in recent years, and I thought it would great to have one here. We moved into town
about five years ago and since then, I’ve met about 10 Muslim families in Ho-Ho-Kus, which is a good amount for the size of the town. I reached out to Bill Jones and found him very accommodating. We attended a town meeting and Mayor Tom Randall read a proclamation about Ramadan. It was very nice, and I was very impressed with everybody.
I grew up in California and my husband grew up in Toronto, so we’re from a very diverse background. There’s not much diversity here, but everyone is very welcoming. I also attended Culture Day at the school the past two years, and I think it helped make people more comfortable talking about their culture. The principal and superintendent have been so supportive as well. It was little steps that took us to the bigger step of asking for the lighting ceremony. We kept it universal and straightforward.
How did it feel for you to be able to share Ramadan with the wider community in Ho-Ho-Kus?
It was a wonderful experience for us since we felt so embraced by our community here. We are not originally from Ho-Ho-Kus but feel as comfortable here as anywhere else we have been, and it’s a testament to the kindness and welcoming people we’re so grateful to be able to call our neighbors.
Tell me about your family and what you love about living in Ho-Ho-Kus. My husband, Adnan, and I moved to town five years ago. He’s a sports broadcaster and was working at ESPN for nine years before starting at the MLB Network, which brought us to the area. What we love most about Ho-Ho-Kus is the tight-knit feel of a small town. Everyone is friendly and warm. We have four sons: Yusuf (16), Adeen (13), Shazz (8) and Maaz (6). The school has been fabulous. The teachers, the principal, superintendent, have all been so invaluable to our children’s lives.
Opposite page: Eamon and Adnan Virk spearheaded the borough’s first Ramadan Lighting Ceremony. They are pictured with three of their four sons. Above, left: Imam Matiullah Joyia, Eamon and Adnan Virk with borough and school officials at the first Ramadan lighting ceremony. Above, right: Attendees gather in front of Borough Hall.
Alt Eats Cafe
622 North Maple Ave.
Plant-based, gluten-free and organic eats is the name of the game at Alt Eats Cafe, where healthy food is good for you and tastes delicious. Stop in for breakfast, buddha bowls or create your own salad while you sip on a tasty latte (that can be made dairyfree!).
@alteatscafe
(201) 444-1300 alteatscafe.com
Ho-Ho-Kus Sushi Cafe
29 Sheridan Ave.
If you have a craving for sushi, this is the place to go. Enjoy a roll from the full-service sushi bar offering fish, squid, octopus and more or enjoy a few rolls a la carte. Ho-Ho-Kus Sushi Cafe also has a lunch special, where you can snag a tasty Bento Box. (201) 607-7677 hohokussushicafe.com
Albert’s
4 Sycamore Ave.
A charming cafe with new American and Italian food, perfect for a cozy weekend meal. @albertshohokus (201) 389-6377 albertshohokus.com
Garbo’s
7 Sheridan Ave.
Family-owned Italian deli and pizzeria; a local staple for 35 years! Garbo’s is known for tasty food and fantastic service.
@garbositaliandeli 201-652-4494 garbositaliandeli.com
Just Janice
23 Sheridan Ave.
Offers a varied menu for brunch, lunch and dinner. Gluten-friendly options are available. A sweet spot to enjoy indoor or al fresco dining.
@justjanicenj (201)-445-2666 justjanicenj.com
Garbo’s
Just Janice
Highlighting Historical Fiction
Eight books that bring past eras to life.
BY THE WORTH-PINKHAM
MEMORIAL LIBRARY, CURATED
BY WENDY LEES
PREHISTORIC ERA: THE CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR by Jean
M. Auel
When a sudden earthquake kills not just her family but her entire tribe, young Ayla struggles to survive in a brutal prehistoric world. Injured and starving, she’s offered shelter by a primitive cave-dwelling clan. With their strength and animal-like instincts, can Ayla carve out a place for herself among them?
MIDDLE AGES: THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH by Ken
Follett
Set against a backdrop of war, famine and cutthroat corruption, this sweeping epic follows the intertwined lives of a steadfast stonemason, a fallen noblewoman and a savvy monk in their high stakes pursuit to build a cathedral from ruins.
BIBLICAL TIMES: THE RED TENT by
Anita Diamant
Dinah, a fleeting figure in the Bible, shares her story. Upon coming of age, she joins the women in the red tent, where they gather to share strength, secrets and the sacred rhythms of womanhood. Then a violent betrayal by those closest to her tears her world apart.
REGENCY: THE OTHER BENNET SISTER by
Janice Hadlow
Perfect for fans of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” Bookish middle sister Mary has long faded into the background—especially compared to vibrant Elizabeth and her epic romance with Mr. Darcy. When she steps out from her sister’s shadow and into London society, can she finally claim a life of her own?
CIVIL WAR: SUNFLOWER SISTERS
by Martha Hall Kelly
Three women. One war. A Union nurse, a Southern socialite and an enslaved teenager yearning for escape. In a nation divided by belief and stained by bloodshed, each must decide what she’s willing to fight for, and what she refuses to surrender.
WWII: THE NIGHTINGALE
by
Kristin Hannah
In Nazi-occupied France, two sisters take separate paths to survive. One must share her home with the enemy while the other joins a dangerous rebellion. To protect those they love, both must endure the unthinkable.
WWI: THE WINTER SOLDIER
by Daniel Mason
A privileged medical student volunteers for the army hoping for mentorship and hands-on experience at a fully outfitted military facility. Instead, he’s sent to a remote mountain outpost where an abandoned church serves as a barely stocked hospital. The lives of the wounded rest in his hands with only his will to guide him.
1950S/60S: THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE
by
Melanie Benjamin
Literary darling Truman
Capote charms his way into the glamourous inner circle of New York’s wealthiest women… then betrays them. Based on true events, this book exposes the scandals that rocked Manhattan’s high society.
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